Recently, I was doing an Internet search for what is probably the world's most awesome candy (next to Reese's peanut butter cups), Coffee Crisps. The only problem with this candy is that it is sold primarily in Canada and as a result, are very difficult to find in the United States (though I have heard they are available in Wegman's. We do not have this supermarket here in Delaware). The lack of availability in the U.S. is what prompted my Internet search. Lo and behold, I found them on www.peanutfreeplanet.com.
I did a bit of perusing around the website and learned two main things: 1)Coffee Crisps are peanut free and 2)there are a lot of snacks available for kids, and parents, with food allergies. This website mainly sells snack foods ranging from jelly beans to granola to chocolate. There is also cake mix, pasta, and other ingredients for baking that are safe for those with gluten allergies, keep kosher, or are vegetarian/vegan. You can search by food allergy or by brand. There's even an entire section for pets!
But wait! There's more! There's also some of allergy information and educational content, including cartoons to color. You can send away for a caricature drawing or a cooler bag. You can customize a "Keep Me Safe" card which allows you to upload a picture of your child and list her allergies on the back; think of it as an allergy baseball card. You can hand it to teachers, friends, babysitters...whomever you may trust with the care of your child. The website is also a sponsor of Angel Service Dogs for Food Allergies (click on the Angel Service Dogs link for full information).
Food allergies are becoming more and more common, with peanut allergies outpacing most of the allergies. Some kids allergies are so severe that schools and daycares, including ours, have gone peanut free. Thanks to this website, kids and grown-ups alike can share in tasty snacks without the fear of having an allergic reaction. And while you're there, pick up some Coffee Crisps. I promise you won't be disappointed.
For more information, visit www.peanutfreeplanet.com